From records to resilience: Esha Oza’s plan to lift UAE women’s cricket

All-rounder reflects on challenges, triumphs and the future of women’s cricket

Last updated:
A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor
3 MIN READ
UAE skipper Esha Oza in action during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 semi-final match against Sri Lanka at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
UAE skipper Esha Oza in action during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 semi-final match against Sri Lanka at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Courtesy: ICC

Dubai: Esha Oza doesn’t just break records; she sets the bar higher every year. Fresh off her second ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year award, the 26-year-old UAE captain is ready to rewrite history — with her team’s journey to ODI status and the 2026 T20 World Cup as her next milestones.

Oza’s stellar 2024 included 711 runs, making her one of the top scorers globally — only behind India’s Smriti Mandhana and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu. From an unbeaten 114 against Oman in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup to half-centuries against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, her performances were as consistent as they were impactful. Now, she’s channelling that form into ambitious goals for herself and her team.

Esha Oza: Leading by example

Oza has set herself and the team bold new targets for 2025, aiming for a third consecutive ICC accolade while steering UAE women’s cricket to new heights. “Personally, I would go for the third one, have an even better 2025. I want to do well for the team again and make sure we qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup,” Oza told Gulf News.

The UAE skipper has a clear roadmap: “First we have to do well in the regional qualifiers and progress to the global stage and then to the World Cup. Gaining ODI status is also the future target. We want to take one step at a time, and as a team, we are working towards it.”

Highs and lows of 2024

The UAE women’s cricket team has been steadily improving in recent years. While there have been remarkable victories, the team has also faced challenges, the most notable being their semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.

Oza’s unbeaten 66 helped secure a crucial victory over the Netherlands, propelling the UAE to a top-two finish in Group B. In the semi-finals, Oza produced a defiant 66 against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, but the team fell agonisingly short of the target. Adding to the disappointment, the World Cup, initially scheduled for Bangladesh, was relocated to the UAE.

“That loss was disappointing. We were very close to making it to the World Cup, which turned out to be a home World Cup as well. That game taught the entire team the importance of self-belief. No matter who you’re playing against, if you believe you can beat them, anything can happen,” said Oza, who has a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Wollongong and now plans to pursue a Master’s in Sports Management.

Focusing on fitness and fielding

Oza emphasised the importance of fitness and fielding in ensuring the UAE can compete in both Twenty20 matches and 50-over contests.

“We’ve played many high-ranked teams over the past year. We’ve had our ups and downs but haven’t always performed to our full potential. We know where we lacked and are ready to overcome those shortcomings,” she said. “We want to play more games against tougher opponents, which would help us learn and gain the experience needed to compete at that level.”

Oza’s standout performance of the year came in the final of the Asian Cricket Council Women’s Premier Cup against Malaysia. However, her most dominant display came earlier in the tournament when she dismantled Oman with an unbeaten 114.

Opportunities on the horizon

UAE players Theertha Satish and Samaira Dharnidharka were shortlisted for the Women’s Premier League Mini Auction 2025, but neither made it.

“One thing is definitely sure — this is the right time for women’s cricket and girls’ cricket in this region. Women’s cricket is picking up globally and in the UAE. It’s great to see many more girls playing cricket. Theertha and Samaira missed out this year, but hopefully, UAE will have representation in the WPL soon,” Oza said.

For young girls looking to emulate her success, Oza has one piece of advice: “Go out and enjoy.”

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